Who congratulated Arthur after deal was agreed with Barcelona?

The confirmation of a deal between Barcelona and Gremio for Arthur was great news for the Brazilian midfielder, who received congratulatory messages once the news was announced. 

In an exclusive interview with SPORT, the midfielder explained his reaction when, on March 11, Barça revealed they'd secured an option to sign him for 30 million euros plus add-ons in July. 

"I thought it would take longer," he said. "When I saw [the news] I spoke with Gremio, who confirmed that everything was actually finalised, that there was an agreement. 

"I was so happy. I couldn't be with my family because I was with the team at a hotel here in Porto Alegre, but I called them and we celebrated down the phone. It was a party." 

His Gremio team-mates congratulated him, as did his current coach, Renato Portaluppi: "They congratulated, speaking about the greatness of Barcelona, the best club in the world. They have the best players in the world. It's where everyone dreams of playing. 

"Gremio is a family. We all get on well, so the congratulations was very sincere. Renato celebrated as well. It was a party."  

And the congratulations kept rolling in, with a call from his compatriot and current Barcelona player Philippe Coutinho.

"He told me it's a wonderful city, that the club and the training ground are spectacular," Arthur said. "He explained to me that Camp Nou is a world class stadium with incredible fans. It's everything players dream of in their career. Barça are always fighting for trophies -- and winning them." 

Coutinho was not the only Brazilian to reach out. Neymar did as well: "He wrote to me and he congratulated me. He spoke really highly of the city, of the club.

"He said everything there is wonderful, that there are extremely talented players and that helps your adaption when you get there. I don't think it will be any different with me."